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The latest NHS England performance statistics show some signs of progress on waiting times, but health bosses say that healthcare staff are still struggling to cope with a “near-impossible” situation.
The data shows that more than two million diagnostic tests were carried out in March – the highest month on record, and an increase of 217,000 compared to February.
Cancer referrals are also up, with more than 250,000 people checked in March (the highest month on record), while roughly 28,000 people started cancer treatment.
However, the backlog of people waiting for elective treatment continues to grow, and the list now stands at 6.36 million people, with an extra 1.78 million people referred in March.
One in 10 people in need of emergency care wait almost two hours for an ambulance
Nuffield Trust Deputy Director of Research Dr Sarah Scobie said that while some improvements have been made, “patients still and for some time will find themselves facing appalling delays for emergency and routine care.”
Dr Scobie adds that ambulance response times are still nowhere near where they should be, which is continuing to put lives at risk.
She said: “Patients with emergency conditions such as heart attack or stroke should be seen by an ambulance in 18 minutes on average, but one in 10 of them are facing waits of almost two hours. These delays could lead to unintended or life-changing consequences.”
Only 6% of beds across the NHS in England are currently available
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, highlights similar concerns. He said: “The front door of the NHS is where there are the greatest challenges currently. 999 services answered more than 860,000 calls in March, ambulances supported over 78,000 life-threatening call-outs, and more than two million people attended A&E, while primary care continues to carry out more appointments than in previous months.
“Alarmingly, only 6% of beds across the NHS in the country are available currently and too many patients who are well enough to be discharged can’t including due to problems with social care.”
The Confederation says this data demonstrates a need for more support and greater acknowledgement of the reality facing frontline staff. If this support is not delivered, he warns that delivering “vital targets” could crumble.